Bed bugs feed approximately every seven to nine days, and usually feed between the hours of 2 and 5 in the morning.

Much like other blood feeding insects, bed bugs use a syringe type mouth part to insert into the hosts' (your) skin. Once inserted, the bed bug deposits a special mixture that they create consisting of an analgesic (stops you from feeling the 'bite') and an anticoagulant (makes your blood flow more freely). It is this mixture of substances that is inserted into your body that causes the redness, swelling and extreme itch of a bed bug bite.

Many people do not react to bed bug bites. For those that do, they suffer horribly with extreme itchiness and sometimes swelling. Most people who react to bed bug bites show signs of the bites for some time, often for weeks. It is also possible for the bed bug bites to recur long after the bed bug has actually caused the bite.

Relief from the itch is hit and miss. Over the counter creams can be tried and, if no satisfaction results, one can see their personal physician for some prescription help.

Often, the signs of bites are the first indication of a bed bug infestation so it is important not to discard the signs of any new bites that occur while you are sleeping.